You may have all kinds of preconceived notions about stroke. Perhaps you’ve talked to others with a family member who has had a stroke. Maybe you’ve read some information on the Internet. Unfortunately, some of what you think you know could be wrong. There are all sorts of myths about stroke out there. Below are 5 myths you may have been told and the truth about them.
Myth #1: Strokes always cause severe pain when they happen.
Truth: Many strokes cause no pain at all. When people have a hemorrhagic stroke, which is caused by a blood vessel in the brain bursting, they may experience a headache. But strokes that are caused by a blood clot typically don’t cause any pain at all. Common symptoms of stroke include:
- Numbness or paralysis in a limb or the face.
- Sudden vision problems.
- Difficulty talking or understanding someone else talking.
- Dizziness or loss of balance.
Myth #2: There is no way to prevent a stroke.
Truth: There are steps older adults can take to prevent a stroke. In fact, if your aging relative has already had a stroke, the doctor will likely recommend that they make some lifestyle changes to prevent another. Some steps to take are:
- Keep blood pressure under control.
- Eat less cholesterol and saturated fat.
- Quit smoking.
- Manage blood sugar levels.
- Eat a healthy diet that includes lots of fruits and vegetables.
- Exercise regularly.
Myth #3: There’s no need to treat a “mini-stroke.”
Truth: Transient ischemic attacks, TIAs or mini-strokes, are less severe strokes in which the symptoms are temporary. While they don’t cause lasting damage, it is still important for your aging relative to receive treatment because a TIA is a warning sign that a more severe stroke could be on the way.
Myth #4: Older adults recover as much as they ever will within a few months after a stroke.
Truth: While it is true that the greatest recovery gains are achieved within a few months of having a stroke, seniors can continue to regain strength and abilities even a couple of years later. It’s important for your older family member to begin a rehabilitation program soon after having a stroke and to stick with it.
Myth #5: Senior care can’t help people who are disabled because of stroke.
Truth: Even if your older family member is in a wheelchair because of a stroke, senior care can help them to remain safely at home. Senior care providers can come to the house as often as needed to assist the older adult when family caregivers cannot be there. A senior care provider can help with dressing, bathing, using the bathroom, and eating. Senior care providers can also cook meals, assist with light house cleaning, and do laundry.
Sources
https://www.osfhealthcare.org/blog/nine-myths-about-stroke/
http://www.strokesmart.org/myths
https://www.everydayhealth.com/hs/atrial-fibrillation-and-stroke/stroke-myths-and-facts/
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/stroke/symptoms-causes/syc-20350113
IF YOU OR AN AGING LOVED ONE IS CONSIDERING SENIOR CARE IN LAS VEGAS, NV, PLEASE CONTACT THE CARING STAFF AT GOLDEN HEART SENIOR CARE OF SUMMERLIN. 702-800-4616.